University Jazz Band Begins Monthly Concert Series

The University Jazz Band 1 will play a series of concerts on the first Sunday of every month (except Easter) at Vina Robles Winery in Paso Robles.

Each performance will include a guest artist performing with the band. The kick-off concert on March 7 featured the legendary saxophonist Red Holloway, perhaps the area's best-known resident jazz musician; April 11 (moved from April 4, Easter Sunday) will showcase vocalist Sunny Wright, who has performed with UJB 1 often in the past; May 2 showcases vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake, who puts on his own series of world-class jazz concerts at the Hamlet in Cambria; and for the June 6 concert the band will perform with the great saxophonist Ernie Watts. The concerts start at 3 pm.

"Performing a regular series of concerts is the next step for UJB 1 as a working big band," says Paul Rinzler, the band's director and Music Department professor. "While the band has been invited to return engagements, such as a swing dance series in Santa Barbara, the Vina Robles concerts are the first ongoing gig for UJB 1. By playing gigs such as these for which the band receives payment, a valuable sense of professionalism is encouraged."

"I'm very happy that Mark Laderriere at the Vina Robles Winery and Steven See of Cambria Hoot Roadshow Productions created this concert series for UJB 1. They could have not been easier to work with, and their support of the band is greatly appreciated."